LIVE | Proteas Women vs England: Wolvaardt, Kapp star as SA shock England in World Cup semi

Welcome to IOL Sport’s live coverage of the ICC Women’s World Cup semi-final between South Africa and England in Guwahati.

Can Laura Wolvaardt’s Proteas finally break their semi-final curse and reach a first-ever World Cup final, or will England once again stand in their way? Stay with us for all the action, analysis, and reaction as it unfolds.

RESULT: SOUTH AFRICA BEAT ENGLAND BY 125 RUNS:

Every Proteas Women’s player echoed the same message in media engagements throughout the round-robin stage of the tournament - "we are still in search of that perfect game".

And boy did they get very close to playing a perfect game in the semi-final against England on Wednesday. Laura Wolvaardt played what is arguably the best knock in a ICC World Cup semi-final. Marizanne Kapp’s five-wicket haul was magical in addition to her 33-ball 42. There were contributions with the bat from from Chloe Tryon (33) and Tazmin Brits (45).

Ayabonga Khaka (1/28), Nonkululeko Mlaba (1/40), Nadine de Klerk (2/24) and Sune Luus (1/41) all chipped in. It was a well-rounded team performance to secure a historic spot in the final.

South Africa will await the winner of India and Australia, who are involved in Thursday's second semi-final.

The Proteas will have an extra day to recover for the final, which is scheduled take take place in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.

WICKET! THE PROTEAS WOMEN ARE GOING TO THE FINAL!

De Klerk gets the final English wicket, sending South Africa to their first-ever spot in ICC World Cup final. What a performance from the ladies, securing a 125-run victory.

BIG PLAYERS WIN BIG MATCHES

Kapp and Wolvaardt have produced two generational performances in this World Cup semi-final against England. They are South Africa's greatest players and they delivered when it really mattered. Salute ladies! - John Goliath

WICKET! THE PROTEAS WOMEN NEED ONE MORE!

Nadine De Klerk gets Danni Wyatt-Hodge, England’s last recognised batter. Substitute fielder Tumi Sekhukhune completed a good catch in the square leg boundary. South Africa are one wicket away from securing a historic spot in the final. - Ongama Gcwabe

17.40: DROPPED MLABA PUTS DOWN SMITH

Mlaba has dropped Linsey Smith off her own bowling. It was struck powerfully back to Mlaba but at this level, that should be taken cleanly. Smith has has hit a few shots since she has been at the crease.

17.32: WICKET! MLABA GETS IN ON THE ACTION!

England 151/8 in 33.2 overs.

Nonkululeko Mlaba gets her first of the day! Having struggled with her lines in her first spell, spinner Mlaba finally got it right and was rewarded with Sophie Ecclestone’s wicket.

17.18: DOUBLE WICKET MAIDEN FOR KAPP!

England 150/7 after 32 overs. They need another 169 runs from 17 overs to win.

Marizanne Kapp comes back and destroys England and collects a five-for! It was the ball nipping in that did the trick for Kapp in her new ball spell. The away nipper has done the trick in her second spell as she took two wickets in two balls.

Sophia Dunkley and Charlie Dean are back in the hut as Kapp becomes the most decorated wicket-taker in ICC Women’s World Cups with 44 scalps.

17.07: KAPP CATCHES THE BIG FISH!

England 138/5 in 28.3 overs

Kapp returns and gets the big one! The Proteas spearjead returned to the bowling attack after her four overs new ball spell and got the big wicket of Nat Sciver-Brunt for 64.

15.52: DROPPED! BUT WHAT AN EFFORT!

England 119/4 after 25 overs

That could have been the game sealed right there. Tazmin Brits drops England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt. In her defence, it was a tough chance at mid-wicket and Sciver-Brunt survives. But Brits walks off the field in pain after that attempt, after flying to her left to try and take it. South Africa will hope it’s nothing to be concerned about.

16.45: WICKET! SUNE LUUS, YOU BEAUTY!

England 108/4 in 22.5 overs

Spinner Sune Luus gets the much-needed breakthrough for South Africa, dismissing Alice Capsey on 50. Just as they were cruising, England have to start over and build a partnership. At this point, it is advantage South Africa. - Ongama Gcwabe

16.43: SCIVER-BRUNT AND CAPSEY SHARE 100-RUN STAND

Nat Sciver-Brunt and Alice Capsey have weathered the storm upfront and guided England out of trouble, taking them from 1/3 to 101/3. The pair has combined for a 100-run stand and turned what was a worried England dug out to a more relaxed one. However, there is still a long way to go. - Ongama Gcwabe

16.21: BODIES ON THE LINE AMONGST FIGHT-BACK

England 67/3 after 16th overs

Be it Annerie Dercksen at cover, Anneke Bosch at point, or Nonkululeko Mlaba at mid-on, the Proteas women have produced an almost flawless effort in the field — putting their bodies on the line and backing up what has been an impressive bowling display.

There have been some close calls, with a few nicks flying through the vacant first-slip region and a near run-out. One blotch on their efforts in the field so far – and it's a biggie – substitute fielder Nondumiso Shangase has dropped Alice Capsey during the 15th over.

Nat Sciver-Brunt and Capsey are leading England’s fightback, the pair having combined for an unbeaten half-century stand. - Ongama Gwabe

15.58: WOLFIE – THE BIG SEARCH

England 29/3 after nine overs

High praise, indeed ...

15.50: WOLFIE THE BIG SEARCH

England 20/3 after seven overs overs

Laura Wolvaardt has kick-started the meme-machine. She is the top trending post on X, and has helped the Proteas on GoogleTrends with a 1000% increase in searches over the last four hours.

Meanwhile, A fantastic powerplay from South Africa comes to an end. Marizanne Kapp's 2/3 and Ayabonga Khaka's 1/12 have delivered with the new ball. England in all sorts of trouble with the score on 15/3 after six overs. – Ongama Gwabe

15.43: NOW FOR THE BIG WICKET

England 10/3 after five overs

Should Sinalo Jafta stand up to Marizanne Kapp?

With Kapp getting the ball to nip both ways, Nat Sciver-Brunt has already started using footwork to negate the swing. Should Jafta stand up to Kapp, forcing Sciver-Brunt to stay in the crease and face the nipping ball? - Ongama Gwabe

The verdicts have started rolling in on Laura Wolvaardt's 169, and, indeed, it is one of the great innings from a South African at a Cricket World Cup.

15.30: KHAKA MAKES IT THREE

England 5/3 after two overs

Ayabonga Khaka gets the third!

A faint outside edge and a simple catch behind the stumps for Sinalo Jafta. Tammy Beaumont is the third wicket. South Africa are in a roll.  – Ongama Gwabe

15.27: KAPP'S DOUBLE-WICKET-MAIDEN

England 0/2 after one over

Double strike for South Africa in the first over.

Marizanne Kapp delivers the perfect start for South Africa. Nasser Hussein posed a question if the ball nipping back in would be a problem for the England top order.

Indeed it is a massive problem as Marizanne Kapp bowls out Amy Jones and Heather Knight. England two down with a run after the first over. – Ongama Gwabe

14.57: INNINGS BREAK - TAKE A BOW CAPTAIN MY CAPTAIN!

Proteas 319/7 in 50 overs

The Proteas have set England an imposing target in the first World Cup semi-final.

Laura Wolvaardt was magnificent for her team with a sublime 169 (143 balls)

Marizanne Kapp (42 off 33 balls) also played her part, but it was Chloe Tryon (33* off 26 balls) that finished the job with a brilliant cameo at the backend.

The Proteas blasted 117 runs in the last 10 overs.

England will need to produce a record chase if they are to reach another World Cup final.

Over to the Proteas bowlers and fielders now … - Zaahier Adams

14.44: WOLVAARDT DEPARTS AFTER UNBELIEVABLE KNOCK

Proteas 291/7 after 48 overs

RESPECT ...

Every England players runs across to congratulate the Proteas skipper Laura Wolvaardt on a magnificent 169 off 143 balls. We have just witnessed one for the greatest World Cup innings ever!! - Zaahier Adams

14.37: WOLVAARDT SWITCHES GEARS AND GET ANOTHER MILESTONE

Proteas 284/6 (Wolvaardt 168 not out) in 47 overs

150! Proteas skipper Laura Wolvaardt is playing an innings for the ages!

She reaches the milestone with another thunderous 6! Is the innings that gets the Proteas to a first-ever World Cup final? - Zaahier Adams

14.20: HAPPY HOUR IS ARRIVED!

Proteas 250/6 after 45 overs

The Proteas are on the charge . And it’s Captain Laura Wolvaardt leading the way with a flurry of boundaries! - Zaahier Adams

14.05: TON UP FOR CAPTAIN MY CAPTAIN, BUT ...

Proteas 202/6 in 40.1 overs

100!! Take a bow skipper! That’s a superb century in a high pressure situation. Laura Wolvaardt brings up her maiden World Cup century. But the celebrations are muted after Annerie Dercksen falls - Zaahier Adams

13.56: ANOTHER ONE GONE!

Proteas 192/5 after 37.1 overs

Wicket-keeper Sinalo Jafta bowled cheaply. It was an ambitious call from Proteas coach Mandla Mashimbyi to send in Jafta at six. Lauren Bell accounts for the wicket-keeper batter. South Africa five down. - Ongama Gcwabe

13.52: OH NO! BIG BLOW FOR THE PROTEAS

Proteas 191/4 after 36.3 overs

Sophie Ecclestone gets the big wicket of Marizanne Kapp for 42. The all-rounder Was looking to go big down the ground, but skied the and Charlie Dean takes the catch at mid on. Pressure on South Africa. - Ongama Gcwabe

13.42: KAPP GOES BANG!

Proteas 182/3 after 35 overs

Marizanne Kapp working hard to switch the momentum back into the Proteas’ favour. She goes long with a huge SIX! - Zaahier Adams

13.20: END OF 30 OVERS

Marizanne Kapp has brought some impetus back into the Proteas innings with a couple of boundaries. The Proteas lost 46/3 in those last 10 overs. A partnership is brewing between Kapp and Laura Wolvaardt to take the Proteas to 149/3 after 30 overs. - Zaahier Adams

13.05: ENGLAND GET ANOTHER!

Proteas 126/3 after 26 overs

You miss, I hit! Nat Sciver-Brunt gets Sune Luus. It wasn’t short enough to pull and Luus gets the bottom edge onto the stumps. England have their third. Pressure on South Africa. - Ongama Gcwabe

12.56: DOUBLE STRIKE FOR ENGLAND:

Proteas 116/2 after 23 overs

Sophie Ecclestone makes the breakthrough for England, striking twice in the same over.

It was a long time coming. Brits was struggling. She didn’t look comfortable playing that reverse sweep. Ecclestone only needed to bowl wicket-to-wicket. Anneke Bosch follows Brits, bowled trying to shimmy down the wicket.

12.46: BRITS GOES DOWNTOWN

Tazmin Brits had had enough of the prodding along. She launches Sophie Eccelstone for a massive SIX down the ground! - Zaahier Adams

12:41: 100 UP FOR THE PROTEAS!

The Proteas positive start to the World Cup semi-final continues. Tazmin Brits brings up the milestone with a delicate sweep off Sophie Ecclestone. Laura Wolvaardt’s half-century equalled the record for most 50s (13) in World Cup history. - Zaahier Adams

12.34: ENGLAND HIT A BRICK WALL

18 overs in, England Women are yet to take a wicket. They have ran into the brick wall. Wolvaardt and Brits have been rock solid. England need a wicket here to reignite their bowling innings. - Ongama Gcwabe

12.28: 50! CAPTAIN LEADING FROM THE FRONT!

Laura Wolvaardt is taking the semi-final by the scruff of the neck. She brings up her 4th half-century of this World Cup in just 52 balls. - Zaahier Adams

12.25: MILESTONE FOR THE CAPTAIN!

Proteas skipper Laura Wolvaardt’s joins an elite list of women cricketers as she passes 5000 ODI runs. - Zaahier Adams

12.21: 80/0 IN 15 OVERS - CRICKET IS A FUNNY GAME!

The Proteas have moved past their 69 of their first game blowout without losing a wicket. Nasser Hussain and Natalie Germanos having a chuckle on air, with Germanos teasing Hussain about wanting every opportunity to speak about the Proteas’ previous 69-run capitulation. - Zaahier Adams

12.18: BRITS WASTING BALLS

South Africa are struggling to rotate the strike here. 50 dot balls inside 13 overs is just not it. Brits, who seems to be struggling, needs to hand over the strike to Wolvaardt consistently as she searches for rhythm. - Ongama Gcwabe

12.05: END OF THE POWERPLAY

An unbeaten 58-run opening stand for South Africa in the opening 10 overs. Laura Wolvaardt has been freely playing her strokes, feasting on the width on offer from England bowlers. England go wicketless for the first time in the tournament as they have continued to stray in lines and lengths. - Ongama Gcwabe

11.42: DROPPED!

Tazmin Brits drills a powerful drive straight at Lauren Bell, but it’s hit with so much power that Bell only manages to get her fingertips on it as the ball races away for another Proteas boundary! 18/0 after 2.2 overs. - Zaahier Adams

11.38: GOOD START!

Laura Wolvaardt got her team off to the perfect start with successive boundaries off Laura Bell’s first two balls of the innings.

The trademark Wolvaardt cover drive set the tone followed by an outside edge that flew to the third man boundary.

It will certainly help settle the nerves in the Proteas dug out. 9/0 after 1 over

TOSS: The Proteas Women have lost the toss and have been asked to bat first in the ICC Women's World Cup semi-final encounter against England Women at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. 

The Proteas have made one change in the line-up for the semi-final, as they decided to lengthen the batting unit.

The experienced Proteas seamer Masabata Klaas missed out, and top-order batter Anneke Bosch has another opportunity to showcase her skills in the tournament.

The Proteas Women have a date with destiny in today’s ICC Women’s World Cup semi-final against England in Guwahati.

Laura Wolvaardt’s side will be hoping it’s third time lucky after suffering semi-final heartbreaks in Bristol (2017) and Christchurch (2022) — both against the same formidable opponents. They’ll also be eager to erase any lingering memories of their opening-game mauling by England at this very venue.

With history and pressure stacked against them, it will take not only skill but immense courage and belief if the Proteas are to reach their first-ever ODI World Cup final.

Encouragingly, Wolvaardt’s team have shown plenty of resilience and what many like to call “bounce-back ability”, winning five straight matches since that opening defeat. They’ve discovered a winning rhythm and, crucially, a sense of momentum that could carry them past their biggest hurdle yet.

There’s no shortage of match-winners in this Proteas side, starting with captain Wolvaardt and her opening partner Tazmin Brits. Both have been relatively quiet so far in the tournament but will be hoping they’ve saved their best for the knockout stages.

All-rounder Marizanne Kapp remains one of the global game’s standout performers and will be desperate to extend what could well be her final World Cup journey. Her experience and temperament under pressure could once again prove invaluable.

The middle order, too, has delivered serious firepower. Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk have embraced their roles as the team’s “Bash Sisters”, finishing innings with intent and aggression. De Klerk, in particular, has been in superb form, striking the ball cleanly and consistently to all parts of the ground.

With the ball, the Proteas have found control and potency through left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba, whose consistency and guile have anchored the attack. Her battle against England’s top order could be one of the defining contests of the match.

It’s all set up for a fascinating clash — one dripping with history, tension, and opportunity. Knowing the Proteas’ past, both in the men’s and women’s games, it’s fair to expect drama until the very end.

Win or lose, Guwahati is ready for a thriller.